Muzzle brake for muzzle-loading firearm

ABSTRACT

A muzzle brake for use with a firearm such as a muzzle-loading firearm, and including at least one access port in the muzzle brake that is large enough (for example at least about 0.5″ or more minimum dimension) for access by a user&#39;s fingertip to remove a cleaning patch from the muzzle brake. One or more vent ports that are relatively smaller than the access port may also be provided in the muzzle brake. An insert may be fitted within the muzzle brake to enhance wear resistance and extend its service life.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 17/395,501 filed Aug. 6, 2021, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/062,533filed Aug. 7, 2020, the entireties of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of firearmsaccessories, and more particularly to a muzzle brake for muzzle-loadingfirearms.

BACKGROUND

A muzzle brake or recoil compensator is a device or feature connected toor integral with the construction of the muzzle or barrel of a firearmor cannon, which is intended to redirect a portion of propellant gasesto counter recoil and unwanted muzzle rise. Muzzle brakes typicallyinclude vents in the form of slots or holes to partially divertcombustion gasses from a firing charge at an angle offset from the longaxis of the barrel or bore of the firearm. The direction of the ventingand the resulting momentum of the diverted gasses may be used to countermuzzle rise, reduce recoil felt by the shooter, and/or for otherpurposes.

Muzzle brakes have generally been found to be incompatible or difficultto use with muzzleloaders or muzzle-loading firearms. Typically, thebore of a muzzle-loading firearm's barrel is cleaned after use orbetween shots by inserting a cleaning patch into the bore through thebarrel's muzzle, running the patch through the bore, and withdrawing thepatch out of the bore through the muzzle. The cleaning patch istypically carried through the bore on a cleaning jag attached to the endof the ramrod or a cleaning rod. Because muzzleloaders commonly have abreechplug that blocks the breech end of the barrel, the patch cannot bepushed all the way through the barrel and removed from the breech endunless the breechplug is removed. Removing the breechplug between shotsis time consuming and impractical. The bore diameter of a muzzle brakeis typically only slightly larger than the bore diameter of the barrel.Thus, if a cleaning patch is withdrawn from the muzzle through aconventional muzzle brake, the patch tends to expand away from thecleaning jag and get tangled in the ports of the conventional muzzlebrake where it can be difficult to remove and can interfere with properventing.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for an improved muzzlebrake that is compatible for use with muzzle-loading firearms. It is tothe provision of an improved muzzle brake meeting these and other needsthat the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example forms, the present invention provides an improved muzzlebrake that is compatible for use with muzzle-loading firearms. Inexample embodiments, the muzzle brake includes one or more enlargedaccess ports configured to catch a cleaning patch upon retraction fromthe firearm's barrel and allow finger access by a user to remove thepatch from the muzzle brake. The muzzle brake may further include one ormore smaller vent ports separate from the larger access port(s) forventing of propellant combustion gasses. In this manner, a user mayclean the bore of a muzzleloader in typical fashion, inserting thecleaning patch through the muzzle brake and into the bore of thefirearm, and after cleaning the patch is withdrawn out of the muzzle endof the bore and removed by the user inserting a finger through theaccess port.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a muzzle brake for afirearm, the muzzle brake preferably including at least one access porthaving a minimum dimension configured to allow access by a user'sfingertip.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of cleaning a boreof a muzzle-loading firearm, the firearm having a muzzle brake attachedthereto. The method preferably includes inserting a cleaning patch intoa muzzle end of the bore of the firearm, cleaning the bore with thepatch, and removing the patch through an access port in the muzzlebrake, wherein the access port is configured to allow insertion of auser's fingertip therein.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a muzzle brake for amuzzle-loading firearm. The muzzle brake preferably includes an elongatebody having a projectile bore extending therethrough along alongitudinal axis, with a first end of the elongate body includingcoupling means for attachment to the muzzle of a firearm. The muzzlebrake preferably also includes at least one access port extendinggenerally transverse to the longitudinal axis through a sidewall of theelongate body and into communication with the projectile bore, and atleast one vent port extending generally transverse to the longitudinalaxis through the sidewall of the elongate body and into communicationwith the projectile bore. The at least one access port preferably has anopening size with a minimum access opening dimension of at least 0.5″,the at least one vent port preferably has a vent opening dimensionsmaller than the minimum access opening dimension, and the at least oneaccess port is preferably positioned between the first end of theelongate body and the at least one vent port.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a muzzle brake for afirearm, the muzzle brake including a projectile bore extending axiallytherethrough, wherein a least a portion of the projectile bore includesan insert fitted therearound, the insert reducing the wear andincreasing the service life of the brake

In example embodiments, the muzzle break can further include at leastone port extending generally transversely through the projectile bore.In example embodiments, the at least one port includes at least oneaccess port and at least one vent port separate from the at least oneaccess port, wherein the at least one access port is larger than the atleast one vent port. In example embodiments, the at least one portincludes one pair of larger access ports and one pair of smaller ventports. In example embodiments, the larger access ports are positionedcloser to a proximal end of the muzzle brake, and wherein the smallervent ports are positioned closer to a distal end of the muzzle brake. Inexample embodiments, the larger access ports and the smaller vent portsare spaced axially from one another and separated by at least one bafflewall. In example embodiments, the insert includes a disc-shaped bodyincluding a central opening extending therethrough so as to permit thepassage of a projectile moving along the projectile bore. In exampleembodiments, the disc-shaped body is seated within the brake and alongat least a portion of the projectile bore, and wherein at least aportion of the disc-shaped body is configured to generally sit flushwith a proximal end of the at least one baffle wall. In exampleembodiments, the projectile bore includes a stepped bore configurationincluding a first bore segment and a second bore segment, the first boresegment being larger than the second bore segment.

In example embodiments, the disc-shaped body is seated in the first boresegment and against the second bore segment. In example embodiments, theopening of the disc-shaped body defines a diameter that is substantiallysimilar to a diameter defined by the second bore segment. In exampleembodiments, the opening of the disc-shaped body includes a diameterthat is at least partially smaller than a diameter defined by the secondbore segment. In example embodiments, the opening of the disc-shapedbody includes a diameter that is at least partially larger than adiameter defined by the second bore segment. In example embodiments, theat least one port includes at least one access port, the at least oneaccess port having a minimum dimension of at least 0.5″ and beingconfigured to allow access by a user's fingertip to remove a cleaningpatch through the at least one access port.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to an insert for amuzzle break to reduce wear and increase its service life. The muzzlebreak insert includes a ring-like body having a central opening andbeing configured for seating within a portion of the break about aprojectile bore extending axially therethrough, and with the opening ofthe ring-like body being in communication with the projectile bore so asto permit passage of the projectile along the bore, wherein combustionor propellant gasses from the projectile are configured to impact theinsert such that wear is minimized and the service life of the brake issubstantially improved. In example embodiments, the insert isconstructed from a material offering superior heat resistance, hightemperature corrosion resistance, toughness, and strength. In exampleembodiments, the material includes a highly oxidation-resistant and/orhighly corrosion-resistant material, or a high-temperature-resistant,high-hardness austenitic nickel-chromium based metal alloy. In exampleembodiments, the material includes a nickel-chromium superalloy materialproviding for superior heat resistance, high temperature corrosionresistance, toughness, and strength.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method ofmanufacturing a muzzle brake including providing a muzzle brake having aprojectile bore extending axially therethrough; providing an inserthaving a disc-shaped body defining a central opening; heating the muzzlebrake; fitting the insert within the muzzle brake about the projectilebore, wherein the disc-shaped body surrounds the projectile bore and thecentral opening permits the passage of a projectile therealong; andallowing the muzzle brake to cool such that the same at least partiallyshrinks to further engage with the insert fitted therein. In exampleembodiments, the insert is constructed from a material offering superiorheat resistance, high temperature corrosion resistance, toughness, andstrength

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention willbe understood with reference to the drawing figures and detaileddescription herein and will be realized by means of the various elementsand combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It isto be understood that both the foregoing general description and thefollowing brief description of the drawings and detailed description ofexample embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of theinvention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm with a muzzle brake according to anexample embodiment of the present invention mounted on the muzzle of thefirearm.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a muzzle brake according to an exampleembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the muzzle brake of FIG. 2 ,taken along section lines 3-3 in FIG. 2 .

FIGS. 4A and 4B (collectively, FIG. 4 ) are assembly views showing anexample method of installation of a muzzle brake onto the muzzle end ofa barrel of a muzzle-loading firearm.

FIG. 5 is an end view of the muzzle brake of FIG. 2 .

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C (collectively, FIG. 6 ) show an example sequence ormethod of use of a muzzle brake in connection with the cleaning of thebore of a barrel of a muzzle-loading firearm with a cleaning patch.

FIG. 7 shows a side cross-sectional view of a muzzle brake according toanother example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective assembly view of a muzzle brake according toanother example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of the muzzle brake of FIG. 8 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of example embodiments taken inconnection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part ofthis disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is notlimited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parametersdescribed and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of exampleonly and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Anyand all patents and other publications identified in this specificationare incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like referencenumbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG.1 shows a muzzle brake 10 according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention, mounted to the muzzle end of the barrel B of afirearm F. In example embodiments, the muzzle brake 10 is machined as aunitary integral component from a single continuous piece of steel baror rod stock. In alternate embodiments, the muzzle brake can be formedas an assembly, and or comprised of other metals, ceramic, compositeand/or other materials of construction. In example forms, the muzzlebrake generally comprises an elongate body having a projectile boreextending therethrough along a longitudinal axis, and sidewalls at leastpartially surrounding the projectile bore and transversely offsettherefrom. In the depicted embodiment, the firearm F to which the muzzlebrake 10 is attached is a modern muzzle-loading rifle. In alternateuses, the muzzle brake 10 may be mounted to modern or primitivemuzzle-loading rifles, pistols, shotguns, cannons, or alternatively maybe utilized with breech-loading firearms or firearms of various formats.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4 , the muzzle brake 10 has a female or internallythreaded attachment bore 20 at its proximal end, configured fordetachably coupling with a corresponding or cooperatively configuredmale or externally threaded extension at the muzzle end of the barrel Bof the firearm. In alternate embodiments, the muzzle brake is integrallyformed with or permanently affixed or coupled to the barrel of thefirearm, for example by welding, adhesive, compression fit, screws orother attachment or coupling means. The muzzle brake 10 also includes anaxial projectile bore 22 extending lengthwise through the entire brakefrom its proximal end to its distal end. The attachment bore 20 and theprojectile bore 22 are coaxially configured, so that when the muzzlebrake 10 is installed onto the firearm for use (FIG. 4B), the projectilebore is precisely and coaxially aligned with the internal longitudinalbore axis of the barrel B. The projectile bore 22 preferably has adiameter slightly larger than the bore of the barrel B of the firearm Fto which the muzzle brake 10 is configured for use in connection with(for example, a diameter of about 0.43″ for a .40 caliber firearm, 0.48″for a .45 caliber firearm, or 0.53″ diameter for a .50 caliber firearm)to allow free passage of a fired projectile of the intended caliber witha sufficiently close fit to partially deflect propellant combustiongasses to an offset angle relative to the bore axis when the firearm isfired. Optionally, the muzzle brake 10 may be marked on an externalsurface with the caliber of the firearm for which it is configured,and/or with branding indicia, safety warnings, use instructions, and/orother information or indicia, for example by printing, stamping,labeling, indentation, etching, engraving, embossing, molding, orotherwise. Further optionally, the attachment end or coupling of themuzzle brake may be indexed or otherwise configured to allow attachmentof the brake only to firearms of the intended caliber and/or type.

The muzzle brake 10 also comprises at least one larger access port 40extending generally crosswise (i.e., transversely) to the axis of theprojectile bore 22. In the depicted embodiment, the larger access ports40 extend generally perpendicular (90°) to the axis of the projectilebore 22, but in alternate embodiments may be obliquely oriented. In thedepicted embodiment, an opposed pair of two larger access ports 40 areprovided, aligned across from one another and extending transverselycontinuously through the muzzle brake 10, with a first larger accessport exiting or venting in a first transverse direction from one side ofthe muzzle brake, and a second larger access port exiting or venting inan opposite second transverse direction from the opposite side of themuzzle brake. The larger access ports 40 extend in fluid communicationwith the projectile bore 22 to allow passage of propellant combustiongasses therefrom. The one or more larger access port(s) 40 arepreferably configured with a minimum dimension (e.g., length or width)that is at least large enough to allow insertion of an average person'sfingertip (e.g., pinkie or index finger), for access to remove acleaning patch or other objects as will be described herein. In exampleembodiments, the larger access port(s) 40 have a minimum openingdimension of at least about 0.5″, more preferably at least about 0.6″ to0.8″, and in particular embodiments at least about 0.65″ or 0.75″, forexample about 0.65″ long (L_(L)) and about 0.900 wide (W_(L)). Inexample embodiments, the external opening of the larger access port(s)40 may be beveled or rounded for ease of access, and all internal andexternal edges may be rounded or radiused to remove sharp edges.

The muzzle brake 10 optionally also comprises at least one smaller ventport 60 in fluid communication with the projectile bore 22, for ventingpropellant combustion gasses when the firearm is fired. In the depictedembodiment, two axially spaced, transversely opposed pairs 60 a, 60 b ofsmaller vent ports are provided. The smaller vent ports 60 preferablyhave at least one dimension (e.g., length and/or width) that is smallerthan the minimum dimension of the larger access ports 40. In thismanner, the smaller vent port(s) 60 are relatively smaller in at leastone aspect than the relatively larger vent port(s) 40. In exampleembodiments, the smaller vent port(s) 60 has/have an opening dimensionin at least one dimension that is equal to or less than thecorresponding dimension of the larger access port(s). For example, inexample embodiments the smaller vent port(s) 60 may have openingdimensions of about 0.55″, 0.50″ or less long (L_(S)) and about 0.90″wide (W_(S)).

In the depicted embodiment, three opposed pairs of ports (one pair oflarger access ports 40 and two pairs of smaller vent ports 60) areprovided. The larger access ports 40 are preferably positioned towardthe proximal end of the muzzle brake 10 (adjacent or proximal to theattachment end 20), and the smaller vent ports 60 are preferablypositioned toward the distal end of the muzzle brake 10 (opposite ordistal from the attachment end 20). Thus, when the muzzle brake 10 isinstalled on the firearm F, the larger access ports 40 are closer to themuzzle end of the barrel than the smaller vent ports 60, and when usedin connection with cleaning of the barrel bore the larger access portscatch the cleaning patch as it exits the barrel for easy removal by theuser.

The at least one larger access port(s) 40 and the at least one smallervent port(s) 60 are spaced axially a distance from one another along thelength of the muzzle brake 10 and are separated from one other bytransversely extending baffle walls 70, comprising webs or flanges ofstructural material through which the projectile bore 22 passes. Inexample embodiments, the baffle walls 70 have a minimum thickness of atleast about ⅓ the bore diameter or caliber of the firearm F with whichthe muzzle brake 10 will be used. For example, a muzzle brake 10 for a.50 caliber firearm will have baffle walls 70 at least about 0.166″thick, for a .45 caliber firearm baffle walls at least about 0.15″thick, and for a .40 caliber firearm baffle walls at least about 0.133thick. In further example embodiments, the baffle walls 70 have athickness of at least about 0.125″, for example about 0.200″.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an example manner or method of installation ormounting of a muzzle brake 10, according to an example form of theinvention. The muzzle end of the barrel B of the firearm F may beprovided with male threads T. Cooperatively configured female threads ofthe attachment or coupling end 20 of the muzzle brake 10 are threadedonto the male threads T of the firearm muzzle and tightened to securelyattach the muzzle brake 10 to the barrel B. Optionally, a clamping slot90 may be provided at the coupling end 20 of the muzzle brake 10, and aclamping screw 92 may be inserted into a threaded clamping bore 94 todraw the clamping slot together and further tighten and secure themuzzle brake to the barrel. Optionally, the muzzle brake 10 may have anoctagonal or other polygonal external profile in plan or end view, asshown in FIG. 5 , to assist the user in gripping the brake wheninstalling and removing the brake from the barrel B.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show example modes of use or operation of a muzzlebrake 10 during cleaning of the barrel B of a muzzle-loading firearm. Acleaning patch P is inserted through the projectile bore 22 of themuzzle brake and into the muzzle end of the barrel B of the firearm Fusing a ramrod or other elongate tool, for example a cleaning rod Rhaving a cleaning jag attached at the end of the tool for engaging thecleaning patch. The patch P may have a cleaning solvent or othermaterial applied thereon. The patch is inserted and moved through thebore of the barrel B by advancing and retracting the rod R, to clean andremove powder residue, and/or to lubricate the bore. As the rod R iswithdrawn from the barrel B after cleaning, the cleaning patch P tendsto expand away from the cleaning jag on the end of the rod, contacts thefirst baffle wall 70, and is caught or lodges in or around the largeraccess ports 40 of the muzzle brake 10 (FIG. 6A). The user may then push(FIG. 6B) and/or pull (FIG. 6C) the patch P out of the larger accessport 40 using their finger(s) to remove the patch P.

FIG. 7 shows additional details of a further embodiment of a muzzlebrake 10′ according to another example form of the invention. Theprojectile bore 22′ through the first or proximal baffle 70′ optionallyhas an enlarged bore dimension or diameter D_(B) that is substantiallygreater than the diameter of the bore of the barrel B of the firearm andgreater than the dimension of the projectile bores through the other(medial and distal) baffles. For example, the projectile bore 22′through the first or proximal baffle 70′ may have a diameter of about0.55″ to about 0.75″, or about 0.625″ to about 0.675″. Additionally, achamfer, bevel, radius, or other relief feature 75 may optionally beprovided around the projectile bore 22′ on the proximal face of thefirst baffle 70′. In example embodiments, a 45° chamfer 75 of about0.030″ to about 0.050″ is provided. The enlarged projectile bore 22′ andchamfer 75, if provided, may reduce wear due to combustion or propellantgasses, powder burning or abrasion from particles such as plasticparticles from gas-check or sabot components of projectiles, andincrease the service life of the brake 10. In this manner, at least aportion of the gas and debris passes through the larger bore in theproximal baffle and impacts the medial and/or distal baffle(s), allowingthe baffles to share the load of wear during use, and the chamfer mayhelp funnel at least a portion of the gasses and particles through thebrake rather than impacting the baffle squarely, also reducing orminimizing wear and extending the brake's useful life.

FIGS. 8-9 show a muzzle brake 10″ according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, the brake10″ comprises a ring or insert 100 comprising a disc or generallycylindrical ring-like component for press fitting within the brake 10″,and a locking sleeve or nut 200 may be provided for assisting insecuring the brake 10″ to the muzzle end of the barrel B of the firearmF. In example embodiments, cooperatively configured female threads ofthe locking nut 200 are threaded onto male threads of the attachment orcoupling end of the muzzle brake 10″, and cooperatively configuredfemale threads of the coupling end of the muzzle brake 10″ are threadedonto the male threads T of the firearm muzzle. To securely attach thebrake 10″ to the muzzle end of the barrel B of the firearm F, the brake10″ is screwed on the barrel B to its fullest extent, and then backedoff or at least partially unscrewed until it is level. The locking nut200 is then backed off or unscrewed from the male threads of the brake10″ until it bears against the barrel shoulder B_(S) (see FIG. 4A),thereby providing for a secure attachment of the brake 10″ to the muzzleend of the barrel B of the firearm F.

In example embodiments, the insert 100 is formed in whole or in part ofa highly oxidation-resistant and/or highly corrosion-resistant material,such as for example a high-temperature-resistant, high-hardnessaustenitic nickel-chromium based metal alloy, and/or other hardenedsteel, alloy, or other metallic or ceramic material(s). In particularexample embodiments, the insert 100 comprises a nickel-chromiumsuperalloy material such as an Inconel® alloy (Special Metals Corp.) orthe like which may further enhance wear reduction of the brake 10″ andprovide for superior heat resistance, high temperature corrosionresistance, toughness, and strength. In example embodiments, the insert100 may improve the service life of the brake 10″, and combustion orpropellant gasses, powder burning or abrasion from particles such asplastic particles from gas-check or sabot components of projectiles, maybe less impactful and wearing on the brake 10″. According to exampleembodiments, the insert 100 comprises at least some amount of nickel andchromium, and for example other elements as desired.

As depicted in FIG. 9 , the projectile bore 22″ through the first orproximal baffle 70″ optionally has a stepped bore configuration, forexample, comprising a first bore segment defining a first dimension ordiameter D_(B1) that is substantially greater than the diameter of thebore of the barrel B of the firearm and greater than the dimension ofthe projectile bore through the other (distal) baffle, and for example,greater than a second bore segment that defines a second dimension ordiameter D_(B2). In example embodiments, the insert 100 is fitted withinthe brake 10″ and seatingly engaged within the first bore segment. Inexample embodiments, a chamfer, bevel, radius or other relief feature110 may optionally be provided on an inner surface of the insert 100, soas to be positioned around a proximal portion of the projectile bore 22″and on the proximal face of the first baffle 70″. In exampleembodiments, the insert 100 is positioned within the first bore segmentand configured to be flush with the proximal face of the first baffle70″. In example embodiments, a 45° chamfer 110 is provided on the innersurface of the insert 100, sloping inwardly and defining an openingdefining a third dimension or diameter D_(R).

For example, the diameter D_(B1) of the first bore segment is largerthan the diameter D_(B2) of the second bore segment and the diameterD_(R) of the opening of the insert 100, and the diameter D_(B2) of thesecond bore segment is generally larger than the diameter D_(R) of theopening of the insert 100. In example embodiments, the diameter D_(B1)is generally between about 0.60″ to about 0.90″, or about 0.650″ toabout 0.791″. The diameter D_(B2) is generally between about 0.55″ toabout 0.75″, or about 0.625″ to about 0.675″, and the diameter D_(R) isgenerally between about 0.43″ to about 0.75″, or about 0.450″ to about0.675″. Thus, according to some example embodiments, the diameter D_(R)is at least partially smaller than the diameter D_(B2) of the secondbore segment so as to slightly overhang within the projectile bore 22″,and for example, comprise a substantially similar diameter to that ofthe projectile bore of the distal baffle. However, according to oneexample embodiment, the diameter D_(R) of the opening of the insert 100is less than the diameter D_(B2) of the second bore segment, but islarger than the diameter of the projectile bore of the distal baffle,thereby providing a larger bore in the proximal baffle such that atleast a portion of the gas and debris passes through the larger bore inthe proximal baffle and impacts the distal baffle, allowing the bafflesto share the load of wear during use, and the chamfer 110 may helpfunnel at least a portion of the gasses and particles through the brakerather than impacting the baffle squarely, also reducing or minimizingwear and extending the brake's useful life. According to alternativeexample embodiments, the diameter D_(R) of the opening of the insert 100is substantially similar to the diameter D_(B2) of the second boresegment, or for example, the diameter D_(R) of the opening of the insert100 is greater than the diameter D_(B2) of the second bore segment. Aproximal end of the projectile bore of the medial baffle may comprise arelief feature as desired to further enhance wear resistance.

According to example embodiments, the insert 100 may be affixed to thebrake 10″ in various ways. According to one method, the baffle 70″ isheated to provide expansion to the opening or bore thereof (e.g. thefirst bore segment), the insert 100 is fitted or pressed within thefirst bore segment of the baffle 70″, and the brake 10″ (and baffle 70″thereof) is allowed to cool such that the first bore segment shrinks fortight fitting engagement around the insert 100. According to someexample embodiments, the insert 100 may be affixed within the brake 10″using a cooperative threaded attachment, for example where threadsformed along the outer periphery of the insert 100 may cooperativelyengage threads formed along the first bore segment of the projectilebore 22″. Optionally, a press-in, friction fit engagement can beprovided for installing the insert 100 without the use of heattreatment.

While the invention has been described with reference to exampleembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that avariety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scopeof the invention, as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A muzzle brake for a firearm, the muzzle brakecomprising a projectile bore extending axially therethrough, wherein aleast a portion of the projectile bore comprises an insert fittedtherearound, the insert reducing the wear and increasing the servicelife of the brake.
 2. The muzzle brake of claim 1, further comprising atleast one port extending generally transversely through the projectilebore.
 3. The muzzle brake of claim 2, wherein the at least one portcomprises at least one access port and at least one vent port separatefrom the at least one access port, wherein the at least one access portis larger than the at least one vent port.
 4. The muzzle brake of claim3, comprising one pair of larger access ports and one pair of smallervent ports.
 5. The muzzle brake of claim 4, wherein the larger accessports are positioned closer to a proximal end of the muzzle brake, andwherein the smaller vent ports are positioned closer to a distal end ofthe muzzle brake.
 6. The muzzle brake of claim 5, wherein the largeraccess ports and the smaller vent ports are spaced axially from oneanother and separated by at least one baffle wall.
 7. The muzzle brakeof claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a disc-shaped body comprising acentral opening extending therethrough so as to permit the passage of aprojectile moving along the projectile bore.
 8. The muzzle brake ofclaim 5, wherein the disc-shaped body is seated within the brake andalong at least a portion of the projectile bore, and wherein at least aportion of the disc-shaped body is configured to generally sit flushwith a proximal end of the at least one baffle wall.
 9. The muzzle brakeof claim 7, wherein the projectile bore comprises a stepped boreconfiguration comprising a first bore segment and a second bore segment,the first bore segment being larger than the second bore segment. 10.The muzzle brake of claim 9, wherein the disc-shaped body is seated inthe first bore segment and against the second bore segment.
 11. Themuzzle brake of claim 10, wherein the opening of the disc-shaped bodydefines a diameter that is substantially similar to a diameter definedby the second bore segment.
 12. The muzzle brake of claim 10, whereinthe opening of the disc-shaped body comprises a diameter that is atleast partially smaller than a diameter defined by the second boresegment.
 13. The muzzle brake of claim 10, wherein the opening of thedisc-shaped body comprises a diameter that is at least partially largerthan a diameter defined by the second bore segment.
 14. The muzzle brakeof claim 2, wherein the at least one port comprises at least one accessport, the at least one access port having a minimum dimension of atleast 0.5″ and being configured to allow access by a user's fingertip toremove a cleaning patch through the at least one access port.
 15. Aninsert for a muzzle break to reduce wear and increase its service life,the muzzle break insert comprising a ring-like body comprising a centralopening and being configured for seating within a portion of the breakabout a projectile bore extending axially therethrough, the opening ofthe ring-like body being in communication with the projectile bore so asto permit passage of the projectile along the bore, wherein combustionor propellant gasses from the projectile are configured to impact theinsert such that wear is minimized and the service life of the brake issubstantially improved.
 16. The insert of claim 15, wherein the insertis constructed from a material offering superior heat resistance, hightemperature corrosion resistance, toughness, and strength.
 17. Theinsert of claim 16, wherein the material comprises a highlyoxidation-resistant and/or highly corrosion-resistant material, or ahigh-temperature-resistant, high-hardness austenitic nickel-chromiumbased metal alloy.
 18. The insert of claim 16, wherein the materialcomprises a nickel-chromium superalloy material providing for superiorheat resistance, high temperature corrosion resistance, toughness, andstrength.
 19. A method of manufacturing a muzzle brake comprising:providing a muzzle brake comprising a projectile bore extending axiallytherethrough; providing an insert comprising a disc-shaped bodycomprising a central opening; heating the muzzle brake; fitting theinsert within the muzzle brake about the projectile bore, wherein thedisc-shaped body surrounds the projectile bore and the central openingpermits the passage of a projectile therealong; and allowing the muzzlebrake to cool such that the same at least partially shrinks to furtherengage with the insert fitted therein.
 20. The method of manufacturingthe muzzle brake of claim 19, wherein the insert is constructed from amaterial offering superior heat resistance, high temperature corrosionresistance, toughness, and strength.